Breast cancer survivor, Shiana Thomas was diagnosed at the tender age of 25 despite a suspicious lump forming at age 14 that was consistently ignored by medical professionals. She shares her story, what it’s like being a young survivor, the importance of finding the right medical team, advocating for yourself, and the need for more cancer education in the young black community.

Our Baddie x 2 series is an intimate moment in time grasping the interaction between two baddies as they discuss being diagnosed, survivorship, and everything that comes in between. We hope that you enjoy this series and that it sparks a dialogue amongst the breast cancer community.

Interview With Breast Cancer Survivor, Shiana Thomas, as told to Baddie Ambassador Keneene Lewis

While attending the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) Summit in Charlotte, NC in February 2023, I met this amazing young woman. It happened because I was asked to host the IRL meetup, Black Survivors and Thrivers in one of the conference rooms, where I met a bunch of people who represented everyone from the newly diagnosed to the OG’s of the community from all over the country. The conversation was very informal, raw, and informative while running the gamut of experiences. There was a consensus that there is still so much that needs to be done for the African American community. Before the meetup ended, I thanked everyone for being so open and advised that if anyone wanted to connect, then they could find me at the Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) booth in the Exhibit Hall.

Back at the LBBC booth, I continued to educate people who wanted to know about me, the organization, and any other information that I could provide. While speaking to a few of them, I caught the eye of this young woman. I remembered her from the meetup and could sense that she wanted to speak with me. So I made sure to make eye contact and followed it up with a smile, letting her know that I saw her. Once there was a clearance, she came up. I could just feel her energy and we began talking about LBBC. She reminded me that we had connected through a LBBC outreach program about a year prior. She said her name, Shiana Thomas, and immediately I remembered the interaction. We continued to talk until more women came to the booth. She let me know she would be back to speak with me before the weekend ended.

The next day, she came back with three other young women of color (WOC). They waited until some of the other constituents left, before approaching the booth. My experience of all four of these black women was their youthful high energy and just the collective love. I welcomed it and encouraged them to join LBBC’s mailing list. While they were signing up, they each shared their names and diagnosis. Melissa Davis (Stage IV/MBC ER/PR- HER2+, now 40 years old), Tracie Davis (Stage III ER/PR+ HER2+ breast cancer – diagnosed at 30, now 34 years old) and Shronda Barnes (diagnosed at 35 years old). Two of these amazing women were metastatic. They were all diagnosed at young ages (under 40 years old) and that just bothered me. I hate hearing that anyone is in this “breast cancer” club with me, but especially when it’s young women.

By this point, we were at the end of YSC’s Exhibit Hall, and I was going to have start packing up. I told them all about LBBC, outreach programs, educational events, and webinars. They asked me how I began working for LBBC. I explained that I belonged to a community called, For The Breast Of Us (FTBOU), and that I was a proud Baddie Ambassador. I also shared how one of the founders, Marissa, told me about LBBC, how she was on the LBBC board, and that a position recently opened up that she thought I may be a good fit for. I asked them if they had visited FTBOU’s booth and had a chance to meet Marissa. They mentioned they had and that they signed up for the mailing list.

I told them we would definitely continue to interact because we were connected now. They helped me pack up the booth and take everything to my car while we continued to share stories and laughter. While hanging out with the ladies in the annex area back inside of the hotel, I continued to chat with Shiana, one on one. She had on this dope jacket, and I just had to compliment her fashion statement piece. She told me about her grandmother and how she had gifted her the jacket. Her face just lit up talking about her grandmother and her fly style. I told her about the new series that I was doing for FTBOU and asked if she would do me the pleasure of allowing me to interview her. Thankfully, she was open to sharing her story with me.

That evening, YSC hosted their Annual Dinner & Dance party. I purposely looked for these ladies, and once reconnected, we danced, laughed, and flicked it up snapping pictures and videos to capture the moment. I enjoyed them so much and it was a great capstone to the YSC weekend.

In the fifth installment of our amazing series, Baddie x 2: Growth through Conversations, I was able to catch up with an awesome Baddie, Shiana Thomas.

Q&A Shiana Thomas

Hey Sis! Thank you for your time and the willingness to share your experience. How did you
hear about For The Breast Of Us (FTBOU)?

The first time that that I heard about FTBOU was on social media. However, I never looked into the community until my physical therapist was telling me about it. She told me that her friend was involved and followed FTBOU. So, I began following FTBOU.

How has FTBOU supported you?

FTBOU has not had a chance to support me, as of yet. I was in year 6-7 of my journey and I was kind of over breast cancer. So, this is the first real interaction & support with FTBOU.

What was your initial diagnosis?

Stage IV/metastatic breast cancer (MBC) de novo.

When were you diagnosed?

April 15, 2013; I always remember that it was Tax Day and my auntie’s birthday.

When were you diagnosed and what age?

I was just 25 years and two weeks old. I believe that it could have been caught earlier. I always thought that my lump was a cyst and I had been feeling it since I was 14 years old. I was not aware that black women and especially black women at my age could get breast cancer. My pediatrician kept saying that it was more likely a cyst and just never pushed. I don’t think that either of us thought that it was something to be concerned about.

When I was in college, I went to the university doctor on campus. So, she did my exam and noticed it. I told her about the mass. She didn’t make it seem like it was anything to worry about during her examination of the lump. She didn’t order a test or make a plan to look deeper into this issue. I feel that she should have used her better judgement to obtain a scan or an image. At that age, I would have listened to her. It was definitely a missed opportunity.

What is your current treatment plan?

Right now, I am on Herceptin Hylecta injections, Xeloda oral chemotherapy tablet, and Tykerb is a targeted chemotherapy tablet. I was on Zoladex hormone (endocrine) therapy injections & Letrozole hormone therapy tablets, but I was given a break. Now, the doctor wants me to go back on Tamoxifen, hormone therapy tablets.

What was your biggest self-discovery or revelation after you were diagnosed?

My strength, courage, resiliency, and creativeness. My courage because when I found out about my diagnosis, I didn’t cry about it. When I told people and they started crying, I told them goodbye and walked away. All I could do was just think about what I needed to do- go to work, my TV show, etc. I pushed through and worked until I was told that I couldn’t. I thugged it out!

I knew that I would need some financial help. I named my GoFundMe page after what has become my mantra…my motto, Courageously Fighting. I knew from reading the Bible that I was gonna need courage, bravery, and strength to get through all of this. I knew that God would continue to take care of me.

It took a lot to be vulnerable. I had moments of weakness, cried a lot, and at times, did not want to be here anymore. I had to find the strength to not give up.

I became more creative after being diagnosed. I am a coauthor of a book, When Warriors Call, God Listens: A Tell-All Collection of Cancer Journeys from Survivors, Co-survivors, and Thrivers.

What is one thing that you wished you were told before treatment?

Before I started treatment, I would have appreciated if I was told that there was a chance that I could suffer from vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen. Many women have shared that vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. The most that I was told about it was that, if you don’t use it, you will lose it. Now I am doing pelvic floor therapy. It should be something that the doctors discuss or mention to be proactive. They need to express the importance of being aware that this could happen, aware of the symptoms, and treatment options.

What was the most difficult part of your journey and how did you overcome/deal with it?

I would say that my most difficult part is trying to find a sense of normalcy. I still feel like I am not really happy with where I am in life. It has a lot to do with cancer. I feel limited with social security. It is suffocating…I cannot branch out and just live my life. I am dependent on the medical insurance. It is irritating my soul that I can only make so much money per month.

It becomes really hard for me especially looking at my other friends. They can make all of this money, do this and that, about to get married, and have kids. I have a limited income and have to stay with my parents because rent is too high to live alone. I can’t have kids. Sex is horrible and painful; you have to find someone who will be understanding. It all plays a factor. No one tells you that you are going to go through all of this. Please understand that I am very thankful that social security is an option and very helpful; it is also very limiting. It is a struggle.

What advice would you give on how to best support a loved one going through breast cancer?

I would say the best way to support them is don’t treat them too different. They want to feel normal. Be supportive by helping around the house or ask what they may need help with. Sometimes if they are stubborn like me, you have to insert yourself a little. Go with them to appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Advocate for them.

Absolutely do not think just because they have stopped a treatment or active treatment that they are better. That is not the case. You continue to suffer mentally afterwards, and it can have residual effects on the person. They always have to worry about a recurrence of breast cancer. Personally, I know multiple people who have had multiple recurrences after double mastectomies.

Have you faced any treatment obstacles during your breast cancer treatment process?

I do not feel that I have. However, I feel that I got better treatment when I transferred my care to University of Chicago hospital in an African American community. My oncologist is an African woman and I just felt more welcomed. They had separate rooms when you get treatment vs most cancer centers where the only option is being in a large room looking at others getting their treatment. They had teas, coffee, various drinks, snacks, etc. for the patients. They have an Oncology Support Center which included your social worker, a representative from the American Cancer Society (ACS), a dietitian, etc. They had so many resources back there where you didn’t have to leave to go to multiple officers to get those same services. They had everything there.

I have to give all credit to my grandmother. She did her own research. She found YSC; she found my doctor – Dr. Olopade. She is the best doctor. I appreciate that she will come to get me to speak to other patients when they need encouragement and uplifting. I feel that she sees what her patients need and does what she can to help them.

What physical changes happened after being diagnosed with breast cancer?

When you are going through chemotherapy, your taste buds can change. I only had the taste for sweets. So, I would go through boxes of dry cereal (Cinnamon Toast Crunch). I was on those steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.) and it caused me to crave sweets. I gained a lot of weight…around 198 lbs. I wasn’t too happy about it, but I was still cute. At the Oncology Support Center, I met with the dietitian. I told her that I need help, accountability, etc. We worked on it, and I would see her every couple of weeks. We had realistic goals and plans; working out and stop eating dry cereal. I wanted to be better, lose the weight, accountability, etc. I do not even go down the cereal aisle anymore…before you know it was three months with no cereal. I dropped the weight over time from 197 to 138 lbs. I have been able to maintain and keep it off for 4 years because of those intentional lifestyle changes.

My emotions were all over the place. I became depressed because none of the medications were working. During that time, my quality of life was low. The ups and downs associated with the emotions about the cancer spreading. It took many different lines of treatment. They didn’t even know about the brain metastasis until I got a second opinion. I had the gamma knife treatment. It was so painful. The numbing meds were not working so I felt all of the pain. After all of that, it didn’t work. I was only good for about two months before they started to see the cancer grow back. Seven sessions of whole brain radiation, but I couldn’t continue due to the steroids. The radiation was burning my ears and face badly. I tried a clinical trial and it worked for a while.

One day, I remember that I had a terrible headache out of nowhere. I threw a literal tantrum. My boyfriend didn’t know what to do. As I tried to stand, I would fall back down. The ambulance came to get me and took me to one of the worst hospitals in Chicago. I told them in the ambulance that I was a MBC cancer patient but somehow it did not get relayed once we arrived. They literally had me sitting in a hallway on a gurney for hours in pain. Once they finally came to get me, the hospital employee told me to calm down because of my blood pressure and to put my legs down because it wasn’t “ladylike”. They would not allow my boyfriend to come back. He called my mom; when she arrived they would not let her back either. Eventually, my mom made her way back. My loved ones came to get me and took me to the University of Chicago hospital where I get treatment. Immediately, they admit me and eventually take me off of the clinical trial treatment. I was then placed on a high dose Methotrexate that had to be administered in the hospital.

It was so hard for me to lose my old oncologist who I had a trusted relationship with but she was no longer checking in on me and none of the medications were getting through the blood brain barrier. I had to go through tough times which eventually led me to listen to my grandmother. This is when I originally got connected with Dr. Olopade.

Did you lose your hair during treatment? How did you manage this?

I have some hair, but it never fully grew back. I wish people would stop saying to me that it will grow, your hair doesn’t make you, etc. Those comments can be so irritating and embarrassing. I remember when I was first diagnosed, and the way that people would just stare. The comments that people make and the insensitivity.

Has your anxiety increased since being diagnosed?

I was never one to have anxiety issues. I didn’t start to recognize that I had anxiety until I was diagnosed. Back then, the anxiety caused me to be sent to the ER. Nowadays, my anxiety has subsided.

How do you deal with insensitive comments?

When I was getting those insensitive comments, I would ignore them. I wouldn’t pay no attention to those comments. I am not a confrontational person so I would just let people say what they want to say.

Sick or disabled….if they called me sick or disabled, I am quick to let them know that I am not sick or disabled. While I know that this is technically a disability, I didn’t like it. We are programmed to think that disability has to look one way or a certain way. People have to realize that you never know how those comments feel until you are in a situation.

What does your mental healthcare look like?

I have a regular therapist & sex therapist at the University of Chicago hospital. I told you; they have everything there. I have Prism Care and they help me with sexual help through the gynecological care that I receive.

What do you have to repeatedly give yourself grace for since your diagnosis?

I have to give myself grace repeatedly for getting in my feelings about what I am going through. I get overwhelmed with thoughts about the way that I look now and the way that I used to be. I do see the growth and the positive changes. However, there are things that I do miss physically about myself that still get me down. I have to remind myself don’t be like that and what would I tell somebody else…courageously fight! Then, I pick myself up and move forward.

What does it mean to be a meta-thriver to you?

Being a meta-thriver means being courageous, always having faith and never losing hope! I am thriving and moving my way through this journey. I am doing my best to accept everything that comes my way. I am not allowing the bad things to break me.

We as WOC have to survive/thrive on many different levels, sometimes to the point where we can’t slip up. How tired are you from just thriving?

I am about up to my neck of being tired of thriving! There is always a stigma of black women being so strong, this and that. Then you get diagnosed with cancer. People say, “You are so strong!” I know I am strong but what is it really, to be strong when you have been diagnosed with breast cancer? It is so hard to get out of being strong. I have to go every day of my life with cancer. I am always worrying, but I have to remind myself to continue to be strong and fight whatever comes my way.

With this diagnosis, you have to remind yourself not to dwell. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed with just your thoughts. I don’t want to be the person who has to always sacrifice my emotions, biting my tongue, etc. Sometimes, I want to just be.

How has dating been with MBC, before & now?

Early on, I had an issue with it because I didn’t know how to date and deal with MBC. I felt like I was a burden to someone else. I felt that they did not want to see someone who had cancer. I did date someone for a couple years and he did not care. We dated when I was younger, so he knew the old me.

Nowadays, I am more upfront about my MBC. I let them know from the beginning that I will need them to be willing to work with me. I have someone who is a potential maybe and very understanding. I don’t think there is an issue concerning dating someone with cancer. I think there is an issue with the quality of men to date.

What do you do that you feel assists you physically overall?

I don’t do anything nowadays. I am just trying to get back into a good space. I took the initiative to sign up for a gym membership. But then my car got broken in to, so I don’t have a vehicle to get to the gym. But I am working on it and through it.

What complementary therapies have you tried?

Acupuncture when I was early on in my diagnosis. It was pretty good, and I feel that it help to relieve some of the side effects. Massage therapy is another complimentary therapy that I tried.

Tell me about your support system?

My Grandma, my family (mom and sister), & my friends. I have a great support system! I do spend more time with people now. I used to get a lot of help, but it has dissipated.

How has your diagnosis affected your family?

It did affect them both ways of the emotional spectrum. The diagnosis has brought a lot of healing for me and my family. Primarily, for me, throughout this journey. Personal relationships were made or restored; I find that I am more intentional. I have learned to accept people for who they are…and I am content with the support and the relationships.

What parts of old YOU are still a part of YOU today?

My personality. I am still silly, goofy, and fun to be around. I have a big heart and love to help people.

What are your favorite parts about new YOU that old YOU didn’t have?

New me: I am not as stubborn anymore. I speak my mind more now. I will ask for help. I am observant and not as shy as I used to be. My openness to meeting & talking to new people.

I like that I do like to share my story. I want to speak to adolescents more so that they know what to look out for, expect, and how to advocate. I asked God to use me and look at Him.

Why do you feel it is important for us to reach out to our culture?

I feel that it is important to reach out to the black community because we should know what is going on, be mindful of our bodies, don’t be ashamed to touch yourself to really get to know your body, and knowing the importance and how to advocate for yourself. I really did not know that black people were out here getting breast cancer…especially getting it as a young black. I thought it only affected older white women. We need to start early educating the younger black community know that it is out here, not always genetics, and that it is affecting both men and women.

Do your research. I tell people to read their pathology reports. If there is something that I didn’t understand, I make a note that I will ask at my next appointment.

How do you want to leave your mark in the breast cancer community?

Share my story. Speak to young people. I have been thinking of starting a nonprofit organization or a foundation. I want to be a resource that people can come to for information, education, financial support, transportation, someone to sit with them, etc. I need help and I am looking for a mentor that I can volunteer with so I can learn the ins and outs of starting an organization or foundation.

What was your theme song during your treatment?

Booty Me Down by KStylis. That was my song and still is my happy song. Check it out! Encourage Yourself by Yolonda Adams, when I need some uplifting.

How can our readers connect with you?

I am not heavy on social media, but I do post on there.

FB: shianathomas or courageouslyfighting

IG: @godblessing_2U or @courageouslyfighting

EM: shianat88@gmail.com; this is the best way. I will respond.